Wales plan early onslaught

Wales plan an all-out assault in the first 20 minutes of Saturday's crunch RBS 6 Nations clash against France in a bid to turn the Parisian crowd against their own side.

France coach Bernard Laporte has received criticism for the way his team have approached the championship after two narrow victories over Scotland and England.

This hasn't gone unnoticed in the Wales camp, and captain Gareth Thomas - one of only three members of the side to have experienced victory over France in Paris - is determined to exploit it at the Stade de France.

"The French have won but without any style, not scoring any tries - so they will be under great pressure from their own crowd," he said.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock, aware victory will leave his side in prime position to land a first grand slam since 1978, added: "We can expect a big onslaught in the first 20 minutes, so we need to get hold of the ball early on and put pressure on the French.

"We've adopted a bold approach to our game; we want to play a high-tempo game and look to create space to attack the opposition defence.

"We have improved as a pack but we haven't got the armoury to man-handle the best packs in the world - so the best thing for us is to get the ball out to Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas and Kevin Morgan who can create problems for any team in the world."

Thomas and fly-half Stephen Jones play their club rugby in France and have been able to provide Ruddock with a valuable insight into the Gallic psychology.

The current Wales captain also featured in both victories in Paris under Graham Henry - in 1999 and 2001 - when the same "bold approach" paid dividends.

"It helps to have some of our players playing against French international players week in and week out," said Ruddock.

"It means they know the French are not supermen and they have got an insight into the psychology of their players.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.